Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Will you glow in the dark Mum?

...this is the most pressing question from my 13 year old and I suppose to answer it so it makes sense to you, I need to give some background as to what's been going on this year.

Early this year I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's disease, basically hypothyroidism, which meant that my thyroid wasn't working as it should. Then found out that the nodules on my thyroid were cancerous, so now I have papillary cancer. Still not so bad - in the grand scheme of things is one of the "better" cancers to get if you have to. I know people who have had worse to deal with, so am grateful that I have gotten over my previous dramas and know that I will get through this one too.

Had surgery in March to remove right lobe of thyroid plus parathyroid gland and lymph node - yep the little sucker had spread - actually not so little - was basically the same size as the lobe itself. Then had second surgery in May to remove left lobe, that went well, but I was left with my left vocal chord being paralysed....still not so bad, could still talk, just not loudly and I may yet get it back.

Radioactive Iodine ablation scheduled for August as the drug I had to take prior was out of stock in Australia, but was put on back order...then it was in and so rescheduling of appointments was madly taking place...resulting in me going into RNS 2 weeks ago and swallowing a radioactive capsule to kill off any thyroid tissue still left in my body.

Just glad I have a sense of humour and am happy with my own company as I spent 3 days in a lead lined room in isolation..had a great view though and a comfy chair, so books read and DVDs watched...staff great, although it was amusing watching them break speed records to get in & out of my room in under 4 mins. Last day had full body scan and was released. I then spent the next 10 days on the Central Coast by myself - reading, watching DVDs and making lots and lots and lots of cards.

I am back home and in answer to her question - no I do not glow in the dark, no I do not have superpowers (other than those I had previously as a supermum) and yes I did miss everyone very much and am glad to be getting back to normal.

This has been a very trying year for lots of people I know and there has been a great deal of sadness and loss, so I am lucky that I can sit here and type this and know that my family is in the next room and that they are happy and loved and safe and hopefully this is where things start to get better. Back to the juggling act....

14 comments:

Hello Peta,I'm just popping by to say "hello," and am so glad that I did at this particular time. I'm sorry to hear that you've been having such difficult struggles with your health. I am amazed at the attitude with which you carry yourself through, tough. There are always others who suffer more than ourselves, but even so, this is a lot to deal with. I am glad that reading and card making are good outlets for you. I hope that all the treatments you are receiving will be productive, and that things go well for you in August.

I firmly believe that your positive attitude and wonderful sense of humor will be 99% the cure for you..that and many prayers, Peta! Adding my well wishes and prayers that your treatments bring you closer and closer to "good" health.PS: I came over from Moxie Fab World, so nice to meet you!

Hi Peta, I'm so touched by your positiveness. I pray your treatments will go well and you will get better and better. Life is so precious and I think you have reminded us to look on the brighter side always and be thankful. {{Hugs}}